New Delhi, Jan 24: The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Friday a plea filed by Congress leaders seeking verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used during the Haryana Assembly polls.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan will take up the matter for hearing on January 24.

Earlier on December 20, for the second time in a row, a bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar opined that the plea seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to lay down a memorandum for the checking and verification of the original burnt memory/microcontroller of the four components of the EVM should be taken up for hearing by a bench headed by Justice Datta in January 2025.

Before this, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale opined that the fresh plea should be placed before the same Bench which had passed directions on EVMs in April 2024.

The Justice Nath-led Bench said that the fresh petition related to the interpretation and implementation of the previous judgment of the apex court and therefore, the registry should place the papers before the CJI, who is the master of the roster, for passing appropriate orders as to whether the petition should be listed before the previous Bench.

In order to strengthen the integrity of the election process in the country, a Bench of Justices Khanna (now CJI) and Datta, in April 2024, passed a direction for checking and verification of the burnt memory/microcontroller in 5 per cent of EVMs for any tampering or modification on a written request made by candidates securing second and third highest votes in an election.

The checking and verification exercise was directed to be undertaken by a team of engineers from the manufacturers of the EVMs, with the candidates and their representatives having the option to remain present at the time of such an exercise, it said.

The latest petition filed by Karan Singh Dalal, a former 5-time Congress MLA, said that the ECI has not issued any procedure for checking and verification of the original burnt memory/microcontroller of the four components of the EVM (Control Unit, Ballot Unit, VVPAT and Symbol Loading Unit) in terms of the SC judgment.

The plea sought directions to the poll body to lay down a memorandum for checking and verification of the original burnt memory/microcontroller of the four components of the EVM (Control Unit, Ballot Unit, VVPAT and Symbol Loading Unit). It further sought that the above exercise be undertaken within eight weeks and be made applicable to the EVM checking and verification forms dated October 14, 2024, submitted to the ECI. The petition, filed through advocate Neha Rathi, said the issue raised in the petition requires to be authoritatively decided by the apex court owing to significant public importance and ramifications across the country.

“The matter affects the functioning of the democracy in the country and elections being held across the country in various states, and therefore needs to be urgently and authoritatively decided,” it said. The absence of any procedure for verification of burnt memory for tampering shows reluctance on the part of the ECI to subject the original burnt memory microcontroller from any scrutiny whatsoever, the petition contended.

New Delhi, Jan 23: Jharkhand is set to pay tribute to the late iconic industrialist Ratan Tata through its tableau for the Republic Day celebrations, showcasing his enduring contribution to the state and the nation.

The highlight will be Jamshedpur, the city the business leader helped build, famously known as the first ‘steel city’ of India.

Jamshedpur, located in southeastern Jharkhand at the confluence of the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers, stands as a symbol of India’s industrial prowess.

Named after Jamsetji Tata, who established a steel plant there in 1911, Jamshedpur has grown to become the state’s largest urban hub and an important industrial and transportation centre.

This year’s tableau, praised for its creative design, emphasises Ratan Tata’s significant role in Jharkhand’s development as it was his visionary initiatives in the 1960s that laid the foundation for the state’s formal establishment in 2000.

The display will present a panoramic view of the industrial units of Jamshedpur, also known as Tata Nagar, and will highlight Jharkhand’s progress while celebrating its cultural richness.

Alongside industrial achievements, the tableau will showcase Jharkhand’s traditional dance forms, handicrafts, and art. Sohrai and Khobar paintings, created by tribal artists, will take centre stage.

Shalini Verma, Deputy Director of the Information & Public Relations Department of Jharkhand, told Media, “This time we have decided to honour Ratan Tata, as he started the industrialisation in Jamshedpur. Along with this, we have shown women empowerment by showcasing how they generate employment by working.”

“We have also focussed on education. Because industrialisation and education, both reflect Viksit Bharat and Viksit Jharkhand,” she added.

These murals, deeply rooted in the state’s tribal heritage, celebrate themes of harvest, fertility, and spirituality, underscoring Jharkhand’s strong connection to nature.

The middle section of the tableau will feature rural women engaged in crafting traditional handicrafts, symbolising the integration of heritage and development.

This element reflects how Jharkhand’s traditions and resources are contributing to the nation’s progress, embodying the theme of “Virasat and Vikas.”

Adding to the tableau’s vibrancy, the UNESCO-recognised Chhau Dance of Saraikela will be performed as part of the ground element. This traditional dance, rooted in mythological themes, will showcase the dynamic cultural heritage of the state.

Having previously highlighted themes like ‘tassar silk’ and the Baba Baidyanath Temple, Jharkhand’s participation in this year’s celebrations will stand out as one of 15 states and Union Territories presenting tableaus in the national Capital.

The tableau is expected to reflect Jharkhand’s unique blend of tradition and progress, making it a captivating centrepiece of the Republic Day celebrations.

It is a fitting tribute to Ratan Tata and the late industrialist-cum-philanthropist’s transformative vision that helped shape the state’s identity and future.

New Delhi, Jan 23: Ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Congress party unveiled its new campaign song, “Har Jarurat Hogi Puri, Dilli Mein Congress Hai Jaruri,” during a press conference on Thursday.

The song, which serves as party’s ‘Delhi Congress Anthem,’ seeks to promote party’s vision for the city while also targeting both the rival parties – the ruling AAP and Opposition BJP.

The 2.48 minute anthem highlights the disillusionment of Delhi residents with the current AAP government, accusing them of broken promises.

Lyrics in the anthem address pressing local issues, including the pollution in the Yamuna and the poor quality of drinking water.

“Yamuna Saaf Nahi, Pani Na Saaf Hai,” the song boldly proclaims, echoing concerns about the city’s infrastructure under AAP rule.

Besides berating the AAP, the anthem also emphasizes party’s plans for Delhi, including promises of free electricity for households (up to 300 units), and the Pyari Didi Yojana, which would provide Rs 2,500 per month to women from low-income families. The anthem also touches safety concerns, claiming that despite AAP’s promises, women in Delhi continue to feel unsafe while the government focuses on issues like alcohol sales instead.

Delhi Congress Chief Devendra Yadav spoke to Media, explaining that the anthem reflects the growing frustration of the people of Delhi.

“Delhi is troubled, and the people’s expectations from the government have not been met. The Congress is the only party that can address the real issues of Delhi,” Yadav said.

“This anthem is not just a song, but a reflection of the hopes we have for the future of Delhi.”

Congress national spokesman Pawan Khera also weighed in, emphasising the energy that the anthem embodies.

“These songs capture our promises and the enthusiasm of the Congress party. Our connection with the people is stronger than ever, and this anthem is a reflection of that enthusiasm,” Khera remarked.

The release of the anthem comes on the heels of BJP’s campaign song, titled “Jo Ram Ko Lekar Aaye Unka Raj Hoga Dilli Mein,” timed with the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

With the Delhi Assembly elections set for February 5, and the results to be counted on February 8, both Congress and BJP are gearing up for a fierce battle. Over 1.5 crore voters will cast their ballots to decide the fate of the 70-member Delhi Assembly.